Important Questions

[jen]

So, the post on the Sad thread about spending the day with a provider got me thinking. Providers, what do you think the MOST important questions a parent can ask of a provider.

Here are my two:

Have you ever had a client leave because they were unhappy? Can you tell me about that situation?

What is the average length of time that a family stays in care?

Also, very important...make sure that there are a few PAST families in care. Present families may not give you the full scoop.

[daycare]

So, the post on the Sad thread about spending the day with a provider got me thinking. Providers, what do you think the MOST important questions a parent can ask of a provider.

Here are my two:

Have you ever had a client leave because they were unhappy? Can you tell me about that situation?

What is the average length of time that a family stays in care?

Also, very important...make sure that there are a few PAST families in care. Present families may not give you the full scoop.

I have had a parent aske me what it means to have been given an exclusion. Meaning that I could have done something in the past that I was charged with but that the state does not see this as a reason for me NOT to run a daycare.

I did not even know that it existed and when the parent asked me, I felt stupid because I did not know what she was talking about.

I think that this a great post Jen... I will think of more after I have my coffee... I am having a late start to my day....wish the kids were...

[Blackcat31]

For me it isn't necessarily the questions a parent can ask me but the two way conversation that we (myself as the provider and the parent) can have in regards to childrearing and the methods we both believe in and follow.

I want to know how parents feel about specific issues and how they handle them at home, I want to know parenting styles and their values.

I want them to know mine. It is vital that we are both on the same team and can coordinate our efforts to properly care for their child. I want them to understand that no topic is considered petty or unimportant when it comes to their child. I want them to know that open communication, respect, honesty and trust are a two way street.

I don't really care what questions they ask of me, it is the conversation we have through the interview process that should tell them (and me) if we are a good match for each other.

[momatheart]

I think parents should ask under what grounds would you terminate care?

When is your paid vacation? What other paid holiday's do you take off?

Maybe these questions we post here should be some things that should be gone over at the initial interview.

[kendallina]

Have you ever had an emergency situation with a child? What happened?

As a parent you're also going to want to know what a provider would do in certain situations. For ex...how do you handle it when a child does not go down to nap and is crying, etc. I think that can give a parent a lot of information on whether the provider is a 'right fit'.

Good thread.

[DBug]

What is your planned course of action in the event of an emergency (ie. injury or evacuation)?

I've only had one or two ask this question, but if I were on their side of the interview, it's totally something I'd want to know.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I had "How do we know the people that come to your house are safe?" with respect to my kids' friends. They were worried about my own 8 & 10 year old kids bringing teenagers home :confused:. A better question might have been "How much contact will my child have with adults and teenagers other than yourself?" And that is something I'd want to know too, if I were in their shoes.

[daycare]

What is your planned course of action in the event of an emergency (ie. injury or evacuation)?

I've only had one or two ask this question, but if I were on their side of the interview, it's totally something I'd want to know.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I had "How do we know the people that come to your house are safe?" with respect to my kids' friends. They were worried about my own 8 & 10 year old kids bringing teenagers home :confused:. A better question might have been "How much contact will my child have with adults and teenagers other than yourself?" And that is something I'd want to know too, if I were in their shoes.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I had "How do we know the people that come to your house are safe?" with respect to my kids' friends. They were worried about my own 8 & 10 year old kids bringing teenagers home . A better question might have been "How much contact will my child have with adults and teenagers other than yourself?" And that is something I'd want to know too, if I were in their shoes.
I cover this one too, because I have a 13 and 15 year old. No one has ever asked me, but when I mention it they are happy that I did..

[Crystal]

1. What are your disipline procedures
2. What is your daily "routine"
3. What types of actvities do you offer
4. Can you tell me what a days menu would look like
5. What is your experience working with children
6. What, if any, training do you have in working with children
7. Are any other adults in the household and do you allow outside visitors besides those that are related to the daycare
8. May I have a list of references, including current and PAST clients
9. Do you have any violations with licensing
10. do you take field trips and if so, how is that handled